William Ervin Barnes

William Ervin “Bill” Barnes, of Paw Paw, passed away, Sunday, January 13, 2019, at Maple Lake Assisted Living. Born on August 23, 1936, in Chicago to the late William and Dorothy Barnes. He graduated from Decatur High School. William proudly served his county in the United States Army. Bill was a life member of the Kalamazoo Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 357 and worked for Johnson Controls. On October 29, 1960, he married Carol (Robbins) Barnes of Paw Paw who survives. Bill loved restoring and painting cars, especially Corvairs. In his spare time, he enjoyed welding and spending time on Eagle lake sailing his Hobie Cat.  Most of all he loved his family and will be missed by all who knew him. Bill is also survived by his daughter, Peggy (Roland) Johnson of Lawrence; son, Steven A. Barnes of Paw Paw; grandsons, Jeffrey (Breanne) Johnson and Kevin Johnson; great-grandchildren, Harper, Sawyer, Kessler and Kohler Johnson; brother Kenneth (Judy) Barnes of Paw Paw; sister, Nancy (Barry) Davis of Canada, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by an infant son, David Barnes; brother, Michael Barnes and sister, Karen Kiel. A memorial gathering will be held at the Hard Times Family Restaurant in Decatur, on Friday, January 18, 2019, from 12:00 PM until 3:00 PM  Burial will follow at Hill Cemetery in Lawrence. Memorial contributions in Bill’s name may be made to Hospice of Southwest Michigan or Great Lakes Alzheimer’s Association. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.newellchapel.com.